Structure-function relationship of Gossypium hirsutum NAC transcription factor, GhNAC4 with regard to ABA and abiotic stress responses

Our previous study demonstrated that the expression of GhNAC4, a NAC transcription factor from cotton, was induced by abiotic stresses and abscisic acid (ABA). In present study, we investigated molecular mechanisms underlying ABA stress response GhNAC4. Overexpression GhNAC4 in transgenic tobacco conferred tolerance to salinity drought treatments with associated enhanced several stress-responsive marker genes. is protein translocated nucleus where it exhibits transcriptional activation property also forms homo-dimers. this domains essential for biochemical functions We developed plants overexpressing NAC-domain regulatory (TR) domain separately. transgenics showed hypersensitivity exogenous while TR-domain exhibited reduced sensitivity. Abiotic assays indicated expressing both separately were more tolerant than wild type showing increased as compared transgenics. Expression analysis revealed various genes upregulated under treatments. These results suggest ability component responsiveness largely N-terminal NAC-domain.